Batman Gotham Knights: Release date, rumours and what you need to know about the new Arkham
When Batman: Arkham Asylum first came out it redefined superhero games.
Its crunching, combo-based combat and fun exploratory navigation made for a heady gameplay blend. It was then followed by two more excellent outings, Arkham City and Arkham Knight, each of which widened the series' scope. And a prequel game, Arkham Origins, filled out the quadrilogy.
Now, rumours are swirling that Batman will star in a fifth Arham title - this time from Origins' developer Warner Bros Games Montreal. Original studio and founder of the series, Rocksteady, is busy on its own Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (which will likely also feature Batman somewhere).
We're focusing on the next Arkham outing, however. Read on for rumours and any official info - including the unveiling date.
Batman: Gotham Knights release date
While not yet confirmed, there are two trains of thought on the name. Both Batman: Gotham Knights and Batman Arkham: Court of Owls have been circulated.
We favour the former, as recent trademark applications by Warner hinted at its significance. It's an interesting name that certainly seems like a continuation of the pattern set by previous entries yet takes the franchise in a new direction.
The Gotham Knights are a team straight out of the comics that inspire the games, a crimefighting alliance encompassing Batman, Robin, Oracle, Batgirl and Nightwing, suggesting that Batman's going to have more help than ever.
WB Games Montreal has been teasing the game for sometime with logo reveals and GIFs, but is yet to confirm the official name, let alone a release date.
Capture the Knight / Cape sur la nuit pic.twitter.com/yMFXMd4djU
— WB Games Montréal (@WBGamesMTL) September 23, 2019
However, there is a major event called DC FanDome taking place on Saturday 22 August 2020 where Warner will formally announce the game. Hopefully, the release date will be part of that presentation. Our money in on 2021.
You can find out where and how to watch the DC FanDome panels and events right here.
Batman: Gotham Knights setting and gameplay
The Gotham Knights title is the biggest clue as to the direction WB Games Montreal is taking things in. If the plotline looks like it'll involve multiple of Batman's core allies, the big question in our minds would be whether we'll be able to play multiple of them.
Rocksteady experimented with this in add-ons and pre-order bonusses, including letting you play a few chapters as Batgirl and even Catwoman in previous titles, but nearly always the caped crusader himself.
The Arkham Games also continually expanded the scope of their content in terms of movement and vehicles - by the end of Arkham Knight you could practically fly with a fully upgraded cape, alongside the big focus placed on the tank-like Batmobile.
We'll be waiting to see whether we still get to hop in the famous car-tank, and indeed whether another vehicle, like the Batwing, might enter the roster.
Effectively, there's an awful lot up in the air, including whether the game will return to just certain sections of Gotham in terms of its setting, or whether even that could be renewed.
In terms of plot, a lot has been said online about the possible inclusion of the Court of Owls as the main protaganists. Debuting in the comic books in 2011, the secretive organised crime group would make for excellent enemies, with its multiple assassins and alliance with some of the more gritty Batman villains.
That's likely why we've heard the Batman Arkham: Court of Owls name so often.
Batman: Gotham Knights platforms
Given the timing, and the fact that it hasn't yet even been unveiled, we're fully expecting Batman: Gotham Knights to debut on Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X, taking advantage of next-gen's beefed-up graphics and faster loading times.
It'll no doubt also be available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One, especially given the latter companies' commitment to releasing games for their legacy machines for the next couple of years.
Sadly, it is unlikely we'll get a version for Switch. Although Stadia might be an option.
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